Though the 3D experience works for the action sequences, it doesn't really add any value to the iconic film. Sholay is much better in its original format,
feel the critics.

Saibal Chatterjee, NDTVRating: ****

Critic's take: A rather simplistic yet irresistibly immersive good-versus-evil tale that drew inspiration from alien filmmaking traditions and yet did a masterful job of dovetailing a borrowed genre into the indigenized narrative structure of the dacoit film, Sholay wasn't obviously made with 3D in mind.

So, apart from adding depth to the frames, the added dimension does not actually 'add' any significant value to the movie experience. Here, 3D is no more than superficial embellishment at best. At worst, it seems to rob Sholay at times of the natural panoramic sweep of 70mm Cinemascope and lend it a caged-in feel.

Critic's take: The 3D experience enlivens and heightens the pleasure and thrill of the action sequences further. When Sanjeev Kumar (Thakur) shoots a bullet at the handcuff that binds Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) and Veeru (Dharmendra), in 3D you feel the bullet almost hitting you in your face. The Holi fight sequence and the chase sequence of Basanti's tonga by the bandits are exhilarating to watch in 3D.

Critic's take: With 3D, every pivotal character stands out [quite literally!] in the film. A special mention ought to be made of the train sequence, the climax scene where Amitabh Bachchan blows the bridge with the last bullet and when the goons chase Basanti, who is on her tonga…

Critic's take: The already larger than life Big B and Dharmendra look even more real and touchable (if you know what I mean). The brownie point goes to the way the coin flip looks and the way bullets fly - right in your face and I swear, you will definitely stretch your hand out to catch the coin!

There are places in the movie where the three dimensional effects have added to the grandeur of the film and the movie looks even larger, more elaborate and detailed because of the 3D effect. But just like an old book, whose charm lies in its rustic pages and the musty smell of the paper, Sholay does not need technology to bring the best out of it.